The Dark Rose 🌹 {18+}

༺9༻

Read with caution

ೋღ🌹ღೋ

My stomach constantly grumbled as my mouth watered around the gag. I was unable to eat with it in place but Richard paid no attention to my hunger and continued to converse with Ambrus. From the corner of my eye Luther was frowning as he stared into his wine glass. He seemed distracted and not at all bothered by the current conversation taking place.

Evelina noticed and put her hand over his, caressing it with her thumb. "Are you alright?" She whispered to him. Her voice was lovely and soft as she spoke.

Luther inclined his head towards her, "Just a little distracted Eve." A concerned smile formed on her lips but she nodded, letting the matter go.

Watching how they spoke and acted around each other made me jealous. Luther was so gentle and caring with her, he was nothing like Richard who treated humans appallingly. I watched him in disgust as he downed his tenth glass of wine. He was now evidently drunk, leaning back in his chair lazily. If only I could have a few drinks to numb my mind from this dreadful reality.

Richard looked at me, his eyes igniting with lust as he stared at me. His eyes trailed down to my leg which was exposed through the split in the dress. Ambrus spoke catching Richards attention as he turned away causing me to relax in relief, "I'm sorry, what did you say?" He asked, his voice effected by the drink.

Ambrus narrowed his eyes, angry he had not been heard. He reluctantly repeated his question, "What will you be negotiating for at the alliance meeting?"

Richard remained silent as he thought for a few moments. A coy smile finally made its way to his lips when he decided to answer, "My sister has revealed to me that prince Marcel is planning to buy a few of my territories, is that true?"

Ambrus became tense. It was obvious that he hadn't expected Richard to know that piece of information. He huffed in frustration, "How did she find out?"

Richard leant forward as he watched Ambrus with mischievous eyes. "You know woman are rather good at letting things slip. Marcel's Sister, Princess Emmi told her when they last spoke."

"Woman." Ambrus muttered under his breath. Natalia gave him a warning look, forcing him  to apologise to her before resuming his conversation with Richard. Richard seemed to be rather perceptive of Ambrus' wary body language as he allowed Ambrus to reveal further details about prince Marcel's plans. "He didn't want you to know until the day. He was going to make an offer you can't refuse. Land in exchange for a thousand men."

Richard arched a brow. It was obvious he found the offer rather alluring. He hummed to himself and rubbed his chin thinking the offer over. He didn't reveal any of his intentions as he said, "I suppose we will have to wait until the day. Although that offer is rather interesting."

Luther cut in, "What do you need a thousand men for?"

Richard grinned, "Extra protection."

Protection against what?

I didn't believe him. His eyes withholding his true intentions and from the way Luther frowned he didn't believe Richard either. Luther didn't trust him in the slightest that much was clear.

"And what are your plans for the alliance meeting?" Richard asked Luther.

Luther took a sip of his wine and then twirled the glass between his fingers, his eyes glancing to me. "I feel your slave would make a rather good addition to my estate."